Trimless recessed light fixture

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed towards an LED based trimless recessed light fixture wherein the outermost diffuser lens of the recessed fixture provides illumination and extends outward covering the entire ceiling aperture. No additional decorative trim elements or baffles are required and the diffuser lens both illuminates and covers the ceiling aperture to provide a smooth illuminated unitary appearance. This outermost diffuser lens is illuminated from above by an illumination system which includes a ring support on which the LEDs may be mounted, along with an optical stack which collects light output from the LEDs and both illuminates and redirects the light through the outermost diffuser lens. This outermost diffuser lens provides appearance of smooth continuous illumination output along its entire surface and while also covering aperture edges formed in the ceiling for the recessed fixture.

BACKGROUND

Recessed lighting positioned within the ceiling is frequently utilizedfor illumination purposes within commercial and residential areas. Theselights are positioned within a ceiling aperture, frequently within aninverted “can” that is mounted above the ceiling line and providing apower connection to a local power supply through a junction box. Theserecessed can lights normally come with replaceable lamps retained withinthe can and connected to the power supply. The can mounted above aceiling aperture can also include a reflector around the lamp or lightsource to direct emitted light downward through the can and ceilingopening and into the residential or commercial space. The recessedfixture is normally held into place using hangar bars and comes withother associated hardware to properly illuminate the space directlybelow the light. This hardware includes the electrical socket,associated wiring harness, reflectors, baffle or trim pieces along withother specialized hardware for particular applications. To make therecessed light visually appealing and thereby prevent an unfinishedappearance of the hole cut into the ceiling, recessed lights alsonormally include a metal or plastic trim piece which surrounds theceiling aperture and extends upward into portions of the can to snap orfit into place and cover the edges of the aperture. This added trimpiece is held into place by mechanical structures integrated with thefixture and or it may be an extension of a baffle extending into thelight fixture. This trim piece is non-illuminating and extends outwardfrom the baffle of the fixture away from the can opening to provide afinished look to the fixture.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed towards an LED based trimlessrecessed light fixture wherein the outermost diffuser lens of therecessed fixture provides illumination and extends outward covering theentire ceiling aperture. No additional decorative trim elements orbaffles are required and the diffuser lens provides illuminates andcovers the ceiling aperture to create a smooth illuminated unitaryappearance. This outermost diffuser lens is illuminated from above by anillumination system which includes a ring support on which the LEDs maybe mounted, along with an optical stack which collects light output fromthe LEDs and both illuminates and redirects the light through theoutermost diffuser lens. This outermost diffuser lens provides theappearance of smooth continuous illumination output along its entiresurface and while also covering the aperture edges formed in the ceilingfor the recessed fixture. However, while aspects depict and support ringand diffuser and/or lens, any shape implementation may incorporatefeatures disclosed herein and the specific geometric construction is notmeant to be limiting as it is provided only for explanatory purposes.

In further implementations, the recessed light fixture is characterizedby an outer diffuser lens which has a size greater than the ceilingaperture size which it covers and wherein the outer diffuser lens ispositioned flush against the ceiling while being fully illuminated bythe light sources above it and within or above the ceiling aperture. Insuch embodiments, the outer diffuser lens sits directly against theceiling surface and in some alternative embodiments this outer diffuserlens includes an interposed gasket circumscribing the ceiling aperture.

Aspects of the present disclosure further include an outer diffuser lenswhich extends along the ceiling surface and which has a diameter whichis wider than the recessed light ceiling aperture. This outer diffuserlens is continuous and is retained and illuminated from above by theplurality of LEDs arranged along the inner periphery of a ring supportor wall housing. The LEDs mounted on the ring support emit light into alight guide which is supported by the ring support and which redirectslight downward through the outer diffuser lens. The light guide can be apart of an optical stack which may include both a reflector above thelight guide to reflect light downward back through the light guide, andalso include an optional interior diffuser directly below the lightguide, the light guide positioned between the reflector and the optionalinterior diffuser. The optical stack, or elements thereof, may besupported by the ring support along an inwardly directed ledge of thering support. Light emitted by the LEDs is thus collected by the opticalstack or portions thereof and redirected through the outer diffuserlens, illuminating the outer diffusing lens and allowing light toproject into the interior of the room, the trimless light fixture havinga continuous illumination lens exposed on the interior side of theceiling without any visible additional hardware or other structure.

These and other features may be incorporated alone or in combinationwith additional features. For example, in some implementations, thepresently disclosed recessed light fixture includes an outer lens havinga first diameter, a ring support affixed to a first side of the outerlens and having a second diameter less than the first diameter, the ringsupport having an inner surface supporting a plurality of LEDs, the ringsupport having an inwardly directed ledge; an optic stacked on theinwardly directed ledge, the optic including: a diffuser, a light guide,and a reflector. The fixture may further include a construction wherethe plurality of LEDs are positioned on the inner surface in opticalalignment with the light guide and wherein the reflector redirects lightfrom the light guide through the diffuser and wherein the ring supporthaving at least one retention mechanism.

In some variations, the ring support is a circular ring support. Inother variations, the ring support may be alternative geometricconfigurations. For example, the ring support may be square,rectangular, conical or triangular. In still further implementations,the ring support may incorporate intermittent wall portions. In someembodiments as well, the plurality of LEDs may be regularly positionedcircumscribing the ring support and directed towards the optical stack.These LEDs, in addition, may be connected to an LED micro-controller aswell as a remotely positioned power supply. Of course, the power supplymay be on board as well in some implementations.

In some implementations, the LEDs may be connected to a power bus whichelectrically connects the LEDs together and which extends around theperiphery of the ring support. The electrical power bus may extend, inaspects, along the inner surface of the ring support but in otherimplementations it may extend along another portion of the recessedlight fixture. For example, the power bus may extend along the top wallor along any portion of the fixture.

In even further implementations, the fixture may include an optic stackwhich has multiple elements, each of the elements are connected togetherby an adhesive. For example, the optic stack may include a reflector anda light guide. In even further examples the optic stack may includeother structures, such as an optical diffuser. In still further aspects,the elements of the optic stack may be formed in an integral opticalpiece which performs all of the functional elements of the reflector andlight guide as well as any other desired functionality.

In still further implementations, the light guide may include lightextraction features which redirect light outward through the outerdiffuser. In some implementations, these light extraction features canbe embedded within the light guide. In other implementations they can beindentions or other physical features formed along the light guide toredirect, reflect or modify the light output of the light guide.

In some implementations, the ring support may be integral with the lightguide or with the outer diffuser lens. For example, the outer diffuserlens may be constructed together with the light guide so that they forman integrated unitary element. In still further implementations theycould be separately adhered together to form an integrated element.

In still further design aspects, the ring support may be constructed ofa heat conductive material and acts as a heat sink for the plurality ofLEDs. Further, the ring support may in various implementations include atop cover or plate which is retained on the ring support.

In still further embodiments, the outer lens may have a plurality ofretention pegs extending towards the ring support, wherein the ringsupport has a plurality of receiving brackets for those pegs. Each ofthe brackets and pegs work together to retain the top cover to the ringsupport. Such retention may be either semi-permanent with screws,one-way pegs and brackets, or simply frictional retention where they maybe pulsed part from each other.

In still further implementations, the recessed light fixture may be aretro-fit wherein the electrical connection is to the screw-in bulb typeelectrical connection. In still further alternatives, this electricalconnection may be directly to a junction box. For example, in a newinstallation, a junction box may be the electrically connected directlyto the power supply box. In even further implementations, the recessedlight fixture may be connected to the junction box which may, inalternative embodiments, be positioned over the ceiling aperture.

In aspects, the recessed fixture may include a micro-controller whichcontrols the light output characteristic of the plurality of LEDs.Additionally, or alternatively, the micro-controller may control theLEDs individually or in unison or in groups. In still furtherimplementations, the light output characteristics controlled by themicro-controller may be luminosity or intensity, color temperature,duration or any of a number of controllable light outputcharacteristics, singularly or in combination.

In even further implementations, the recessed light fixture may includedirect back-lit illumination of the outer lens diffuser. In suchimplementations, the LEDs may be placed against the top wall anddirected towards the outer diffuser. These LEDs may be, in someembodiments, a plurality of LEDs or may be a COB type of LED system.

For example, in some implementations the trimless light fixture mayinclude multiple features including an outer diffuser having a firstdiameter wherein a ring support receives the outer diffuser along a ringsupport rim. The ring support may extend downward from a top wall to thering support rim and both the ring support rim and the top wall may beannular. The top wall may also include an inner surface supporting atleast one LED emitting light directed towards the outer diffuser.

In some examples, the ring support rim may have a first diameter and thetop wall having a second diameter, the second diameter less than thefirst diameter. The various examples may also include implementations ofa conical reflector extending away from the top wall to the ring supportrim, the conical reflector extending downward to a flat outer rim. Inother examples, the flat outer rim of the conical reflector may bepositioned between the ring support rim and outer diffuser.

The LEDs may be positioned along the inner surface of the top wall toemit light through the outer diffuser. The outer diffuser may furtherinclude a snap bead to retain the outer diffuser to the ring support,the snap bead fitting over the ring support rim. In some of theseexamples the ring support rim may be annular receiving a circular orannular diffuser.

These and other features may be included with additional aspects aloneor in combination. For example, the diffuser may also include having acircumferential gasket, the circumferential gasket of the outer diffuserpositioned to abut a ceiling surface; where the gasket is configured forpositioning about a ceiling aperture which receives the ring support.

In still further implementations, the trimless recessed light fixturemay have a conical reflector which extends from the annular top wall tothe annular ring support rim wherein the ring support is an circular orannular side wall, the annular side wall angled from the top walldownwardly to the ring support rim.

As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED”should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or othertype of carrier injection/junction-based system that is capable ofgenerating radiation in response to an electric signal and/or acting asa photodiode. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to,various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response tocurrent, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs),electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular, the term LEDrefers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductorand organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generateradiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum,and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally includingradiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to,various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs,green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs(discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs maybe configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having variousbandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a givenspectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety ofdominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization.

For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generateessentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dieswhich respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that,in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In anotherimplementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphormaterial that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum to adifferent second spectrum. In one example of this implementation,electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrowbandwidth spectrum “pumps” the phosphor material, which in turn radiateslonger wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.

As used herein, the term “diffuser” is utilized to represent variousconstructs. For example, a diffuser generally can mean any structureplaced in the light output path that diffuses or scatters the light. Attimes, the diffusion and/or scattering of light can create a softerlight output. Soft light may be generated by preventing the visibilityof a singular points of light. A lens may be used to converge or divergelight from the light source. At times, these terms may be usedinterchangeably or in combination to represent an optical constructwhich may do any combination or single aspect of any of these describedfeatures.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a lower interior view from within a room and below theinstalled ceiling of the assembled trimless recessed light fixture,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the trimless recessed lightfixture and exemplary electrical connections according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective sectional view of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4A is a side section view of an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an installed embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of multiple optional parts of an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an interior room view of an installed trimless recessed lightfixture of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an side sectional view of an installed trimless recessed lightfixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of an additional embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a further embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a lower section view of a further embodiment of the trimlesslight fixture disclosed herein with a diffuser in place.

FIG. 12 is a further lower sectional view of a further embodiment withthe diffuser removed.

FIG. 13 is an upper section view of an additional example of the lightfixture disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 is a close-up sectional view of aspects of FIG. 13 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As depicted in the figures, wherein like numbers denote like partsthroughout the several views, a trimless recessed light fixture 100 isdepicted in multiple embodiments. The trimless recessed light fixture100 is shown in FIG. 1 below an aperture in a ceiling surface 10. Thelight fixture 100 is shown with an attached power and communication line150 which extends to a micro-controller and power supply housing 151which contains at least LED and other lighting control circuitry, powersupply circuitry and communication handling. The trimless light fixtureis inserted through the aperture of the ceiling 10 such that the springclips 130 are utilized to retain the fixture above the ceiling throughfriction within a recessed can housing structure or directly compressingagainst the ceiling as shown in the various embodiments. The outerdiffuser lens remains visible on the interior side of the ceiling and isilluminated from the LEDs of the fixture allowing the outer diffuserlens to provide a neat, continuous and illuminated structure whichcovers the edge of the ceiling aperture.

In FIG. 2 , the trimless recessed light fixture 100 is shown wherein thepower and communication line 150 is connected to the micro-controllerand power supply housing 151 which itself is connected to either ajunction box 204 or to a screw-in type light bulb electrical connectorto supply electricity to the fixture.

As shown in the figures, an aperture is formed in the ceiling 10. Thetrimless recessed light fixture is connected to an electrical source viapower line 150 supplying electrical connectivity to a power sourcehousing 151. The power line 150 as well may provide electroniccommunication and control signals to the LEDs from at least oneassociated micro-controller within power supply housing 151. The powersource and control housing 151, depicted in FIG. 2 , may contain atleast the at least one micro-controller/microprocessor and otherassociated electronics which regulate current flow, lightcharacteristics and other related signals to the plurality of LEDspositioned in the trimless recessed lights fixture 100. The power supplyand control housing may also contain the necessary electronics formodification of the power supply to the LEDs, driver circuits, AC/DCconversion and any other necessary circuits and electronics to maintainappropriate voltage to the plurality of LEDs, control the level ofoutput and characteristics of light output and other lighting controlsignals. For example, the power supply housing 151 may include at leastAC/DC converters, voltage and current smoothing, modulation circuitryand the like. For example, pulse width, amplitude or frequencymodulation may be implemented by circuitry of the housing 151. Of courseany aspects of these electronics may be shared between the housing 151and the light fixture 100 depending on design constraints, heating andLED control requirements. The aperture formed in the ceiling 10 receivesthe light fixture 100 after connecting the light fixture 100 to thepower supply housing 151 and is maintained in place within the apertureby virtue of the springs 130.

As shown in FIG. 2 , connectivity to an electrical power source may bethrough a number of differing connections which may include directelectrical connection to line voltage at a junction box 204. In someembodiments, connection may be made as in a retrofit installation to atype A Edison style screw-in bulb electrical connector as depicted inthe figures as 202. Also depicted is an alternative embodiment of a newinstallation wherein instead of connecting to a pre-existing screw-intype connection, a new connection may be made from the power supply 151to a junction box 204. These different types of electrical connectionsare available and allow for the functionality described herein to beimplemented in either installation. The descriptions included herein arenot limiting for providing a particular type of electrical connectivityto the fixture 100. Variable electrical connectivity allows the lightfixture to be connected to a power supply 151 while also allowing forvariability of installation electrical type and location. Therefore, inone environment, a junction box 204 may be provided and in others,retrofit capability may be provided. Further implementations areavailable as well such as direct DC connect to a DC provided powersource.

As shown in FIG. 3 , elements of the trimless recessed light fixture 100are depicted in the disclosed and displayed embodiment. The lightfixture 100 includes a ring support or cylindrical wall housing 106which may form a primary structure for the light fixture 100 in regardsto installation and support of associated hardware. Ring support 106 insome implementations may allow for the application of LED dies on thesurface thereof. In some implementations, the ring support may bealuminum and the LED dies may be circumferentially spaced regularlyalong the interior wall to direct the LEDs towards other associatedoptics of the light fixture 100. The ring support 106 may also act as aheat sink in such implementations to draw heat away from the individualLED dies, while also providing good structural support for associatedLED electronics such as drivers, power supply lines, sensors and thelike. The number of attached LEDs is dependent on a number of criteria,including desired light output intensity, color requirements, powersupply and heat limitations, as well as positioning of the associatedoptical stack to which the LEDs direct light.

While the ring support 106 in multiple examples depicted herein iscylindrical, many different geometric configurations may be implementedusing the features outlined. For example, instead of a cylindrical ringsupport, partial cylindrical, ellipsoidal, square, rectangular,triangular or other configurations may be made with matching supportring type configurations. Hence, while the exemplary description is setforth as a cylindrical wall housing or ring support 106 is depicted, inactuality many different types of outer lenses and ring supports may beprovided. For example, in some embodiments the outer diffuser lens 102may be square and the ring support 106 may be partial wall segments.Similarly, these structures do not need to match in configurations. Forexample, the outer diffuser lens 102 may be round and the ring supportmay be simple abutments, square corners or posts supporting the otherstructural elements. Any such combination of configurations may beimplemented based upon the disclosure hereof.

The ring support 106 may also attach to an outer diffuser lens 102 usingvarious attachment mechanisms disclosed herein. For Example, the ringsupport 106 may allow the outer lens 102 to be removably insertablewithin or to the ring support structure. Ring support 106 may also bemechanically attached to the outer lens 102 by screws or otherfasteners. In still further options, the ring support 106 and the outerlens may be integral so that no interconnection elements or mechanismsare required. For example, in some implementations, the outer lens 102may be formed from a unitary piece with an upwardly extending ringsupport 106. In one such example, the ring support and the outer lensmay be made of the same material. In still further examples, the outerlens 102 may be formed and integrated with a ring support 106 throughadhesive, thermal welding, other means.

Ring support 106 also provide the support for the plurality of LEDs 120as noted above, which are positioned on an inner peripheral sidewall ofthe ring support 106. The plurality of LEDs positioned on the innersidewall are electrically connected to the microcontroller and powersupply housing 151 via the power and communication line 150, whichitself is connected directly to the light fixture by virtue of thesocket connection 152. Socket connection 152 provides electricalconnectivity to the plurality of LEDs through an electrical connectionpositioned on the ring support 106, or on an associated structuralelement, or simply by wired connectivity.

Ring support 106 also includes an ledge 107 in some implementationswhich extends inwardly from the inner side wall of the ring support andwhich provides a support surface for the optic stack 126. For example,the ledge 107 may be positioned on a lower edge of the ring support andextend inwardly, may be an intermittent structure which extends aroundthe internal periphery, or may be interposed between the LEDs and alower edge of the ring support. For example, in one embodiment the ledge107 may be raised a bit and not be located on the lower edge of the ringsupport and may be intermittent structural abutments. The ledge asdescribed herein is not meant to require a continuous structure nor isrequired to be integrated with the ring support. For example, the ringsupport may incorporate a drop down hangar assembly which depends from atop edge of the ring support and which properly positions the opticalelements relative to the plurality of LEDs. Hence, the ledge, whileshown in the one embodiment of the Figures, is not meant to be limitingas multiple other assemblies may be utilized to position the opticalstack 126 in necessary optical alignment with the plurality of LEDs.

The optic stack 126 can optionally include multiple elements, combinedfunctional elements or a single element, as opposed to the threedistinct elements depicted. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.4 , the optic stack includes a light guide 114 and an optical reflector124 positioned on the top surface of the light guide 114. Opticalreflector 124 allows for the redirection of light from the light guidedownward through the optional diffuser 108 and then through the diffuserlens 102. In some embodiments, these elements may be separate layers ofthe optic stack. In other embodiments, they may be combined togetherinto a single structural layer.

Optical stack 126 as shown in the explanatory embodiments of FIGS. 3 and4 has three structural elements to provide optical concentration andcommunication (light guide), control reflection (reflector 124) andlight modification (optional diffuser 108). However, the optic stack mayinclude more or less than all of the depicted features shown in theseembodiments. In other words, the optical stack 126 may only include alight guide 114 which performs the function of redirecting the desiredcharacteristic and amount of light from the LEDs 120. In the depictedembodiment, the reflector 124 is provided to maximize light output fromthe light guide and reduce losses of the LED luminosity. Further,optional diffuser 108 is not required but when included may bepositioned below the light guide to modify the light output of the lightguide and reflector or just of the light guide. The number of elementsof the optical stack 126, position or order of the elements andfunctionality of the layers, if multiple layers are utilized, arediscretionary depending on the light characteristics desired to produceas the light output of the light fixture 100.

For example, a light guide 114 may be utilized which includes many ofthe characteristics of the described combined optical stack. Forexample, various light guides may include facets, embedded reflectivematerials, features or other aspects which perform individual orcombined optical modifications and/or reflection. These include lightredirection, output diffusion, reflection, to name a few.

Light guide 114 is positioned on ledge 107 to receive light output fromthe LEDs 120. The light guide 114 is placed in optical alignment withthe LEDs 120 so that light emitted from the LEDs enters the light guideand is modified according to the light guide design characteristics. Asshown in FIG. 4 , light guide 114 allows light to enter along theperipheral edge or circumferential light entry surface and redirectslight through the light guide and downward through a light exit surface.The exemplary light guide 114 depicted is combined with a top layerreflector 124. For example, reflector 124 may be a metalized reflectoror may be a reflective film attached to the top surface of the lightguide 114. Other embodiments may incorporate features of the reflectordirectly within the light guide 114 such as reflective material, facets,interspersed edges, formations, depressions or other structuraldiscontinuities.

An optional diffuser 108 is also shown below the light guide in order tofurther modify the light output from the light guide 114. Diffuser 108is optional depending on the desired light output characteristics,characteristics of the light guide, LEDs, reflector, outer diffuser lens102, or other installed elements. For example, diffuser 108 may beentirely removed and aspects of the light modification features, ifneeded, may be incorporated within diffuser lens 102 or within the lightguide 114. For example, the light guide may be fitted with a lowerintegral layer of diffusion material to remove the pinpoint light sourcevisibility. Diffuser 108, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 ifinstalled, positions as a lower most element of the optical stack 126,which itself is supported on the ledge 107 of the ring support 106.Again, however, various supporting structures for the optical stack maybe implemented herein.

In one depicted embodiment, for example, ring support 106 includes aninwardly directed ledge 107 which supports and holds the optical stack126. Ledge 107 may be formed as an inward extension of the ring support.Other embodiments may be implemented to reduce or even remove the ledge.For example, the optical stack 126 may alternatively be supported fromabove from the top plate 110, from a top ledge or edge of the ringsupport 106, or simply designed to rest atop of the diffuser lens 102.The various structural elements necessary to provide support of theoptical stack merely require that the light guide receive light inputalong a light entry surface from the light emitting elements, such asthe LEDs. Hence, ring support and ledge 107 need to combine toappropriately position the LEDs and the light guide into opticalcommunication.

The plurality of LEDs 120 may be positioned on the inner side wall ofthe ring support or cylindrical wall. The ring support may be metal,such as aluminum, which acts as a heat sink for the LEDs to draw heataway from the dies and distribute the heat through a larger surfacearea. The ring support 106 may also provide an electrical bus forinterconnection of the individual LEDs concentrically positioned aroundthe ring support. For example, an electrical interconnection line may beadhered to the inner side wall of the ring support or may be embedded ina channel of the ring support. For example, in some embodiments anelectrical connection and control line may extend around the innersidewall between each of the plurality of LEDs and then be connecteddirectly to the socket 152 so that the power supply 151 andmicro-controller effectively control the light output characteristics ofthe LEDs.

In some embodiments, the power supply and control housing 151 maycontain controller electronics and power supply circuitry necessary tocontrol signals communicated between the power supply housing 151 andthe LEDs 120. For example, the electronics within the power supplyhousing 151 may accept standard 120V AC line voltage provided by thejunction box 204 or other electrical connection and provide low voltageDC to the LEDs via the electrical connection 150. Power modification mayalso be included within the circuitry such as AC to DC conversion, PWMdrivers, smoothing or chopping circuits as are known in the art toprovide power controllable power to the LEDs. Various power controlimplementations may also be included within the power supply housingsuch as known modulation techniques, to appropriately control and modifythe light output of the LEDs. The circuits and electronics within thehousing 151 may further include AC to DC converters, capacitors, andother circuits with voltage and current modification techniques.Alternatively, controller electronics and power supply circuitry mayinclude voltage modification and control based upon alternativeelectrical power supplies. For example, the connected power supply maybe DC and not AC and the control circuitry may recognize the suppliedpower and automatically adjust the provided DC power to the LEDs. Inimplementations, the microcontroller electronics and power supplycircuitry within the housing 151 may modify the received power supplyand provide a regulated low voltage DC supply presented at the LEDs.These control circuits may also include known techniques in driving theLEDs for control of color mixing, dimming, LED addressing for individualcontrolled output and other similar power supply techniques.

In some embodiments, each of the LEDs may be individually addressableand controllable or may be controlled together in segments. For example,the power supply and control circuitry may control individual LED dieson the ring support to create optical effects, including dimming, colorcoordination and mixing, In still other examples, the LED dies may besegmented In some embodiments, LED drivers may be positioned directlywith the LED dies on the inner side wall of the ring support. In yetother embodiments, the LEDs may include associated drivers exterior tothe physical location of the dye.

The embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4 and 4A depict the light guide adjacent toand in optical alignment with the plurality of LEDs 120. Such alignmentmay be through physical alignment or may be accomplished using opticalreflectors, optical fiber, optical funnels, lenses and similar lightcollection and transmission techniques. For example, in some embodimentsthe LEDs may emit light which is collected by a light collector andredirected to the optical guide light entry surface utilizing opticalcarrying fibers in order to more particularly control the light entryposition. Still other implementations may utilize reflectors to positionthe light guide at a different vertical height relative to the LEDs, orto allow the LEDs to be mounted on alternative support surfaces whilestill accomplishing mostly downlight redirection of light output.

In implementations, the plurality of LEDs may utilize the ring support106 as a heat sink. In still further embodiments, the ring support maybe thermally conductive and transfer heat from the LEDs to otherstructures, such as to the top plate 110. In even furtherimplementations, the ring support may be provided with additionalbrackets for receipt of screws 116 which adhere the top plate 110 to thering support.

The outer diffuser lens 102 which is positioned below the ring support106 extends outward beyond the diameter of the ring support. Forexample, the ring support may be designed to fit within a standard 6inch aperture formed in a ceiling and hence has an exterior diameterwhich is less than 6 inches. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 , the ringsupport 106 extends into the aperture formed in the ceiling to beretained therein. The diameter of the outer diffuser lens 102 extendsbeyond the diameter of the support ring as well as the aperture formedin the ceiling 10 so that it adequately covers the aperture formed inthe ceiling. The trimless recessed light fixture 100 positions the lens102 firmly against the ceiling 10 surrounding the aperture to provide anappearance of a smooth unitary illuminated lens structure without otherstructural discontinuity. For example, for a standard 6 inch recessedlight fixture, a ceiling aperture size is typically a minimum of 6%inches diameter. The outer diameter (the diameter of the outer side wallsurface) of the ring support 106 therefor must fit within this expectedaperture size formed in the ceiling. For example, the outer diameter ofthe ring support may be four to six inches. The diameter of the diffuserlens 102 is sized to properly cover the entire ceiling aperture. Forexample, the diameter of the diffuser lens may be 6½ inches or greaterfor such an embodiment.

Diffuser lens 102 may include, in some embodiments, a plurality ofretention pegs 121 as is shown in the example of FIG. 6 . The retentionpegs 121 may be utilized to frictionally and removably retain the lens102 below the rings support 106. The individual retention pegs 121 mayfit into apertures formed in the bottom of receiving brackets 122. Suchpegs may be sized to provide adequate retention friction in order tomaintain and support the position of the lens under the support ring sothat it may be removably retained in place. Hence, in this example, thelens may be pulled away from the support ring and the ceiling apertureto gain access to the other elements of the trimless fixture 100. Inother examples, the retention pegs 121 may be replaced with an adhesiveor with mechanical retention members such as screws, fasteners or thelike which permanently or semi-permanently affix the lens to the ringsupport.

The diffuser lens 102 may be polycarbonate diffusive material which isilluminated from above by the redirected light emitted from the LEDs andthe light guide. The diffuser lens 102 may be designed to appearilluminated and at least partially transparent or translucent such thatthe edges of the ceiling aperture are not visible. Further, the lens 102may appear to emit light substantially evenly along the entire surfacearea of the lens without discontinuity of any additional structure, suchas trim pieces or other hardware typically found in recessed fixtures.This may be accomplished using known diffuser techniques such as lightshaping/modification using specialized injection molded lenses. Otherstandard diffusers may be utilized to adequately cover the ceilingaperture. In some implementation, the lens 102 may include light carrierproperties which allow light to travel along the entire surface area ofthe lens 102. For example, in some implementations the diffuser lens 102may incorporate reflective elements internally to distribute lightevenly along the entirety of the diffuser, even to those areas of thelens which are not directly below the light guide. For example, in someimplementations light scattering elements may be provided internallywithin the diffuser to redirect light from substantially above tosubstantially through and downward, while also redirecting a portion ofthe light from the light guide outwardly towards the edges. In someimplementations, these light scattering elements may be metallicreflective elements. In combination with such light scattering elements,the edge of the diffuser lens 102 may also allow light transmission toallow a small portion of light to be emitted laterally from the edges.Such redirection of light within the diffuser may allow the lensdiffuser to give a smooth and continuously illuminated soft light acrossthe entire surface area of the lens.

Lens 102 further may include, in some embodiments, a gasket along a topsurface beyond the diameter of the ring support 106. Gasket 112 cancompress against the ceiling once the trimless recessed fixture isinstalled to seal the space above the ceiling area from the interior ofthe room. Inclusion of the gasket 112 to circumscribe the ceilingaperture, regardless of the shape of the aperture or outer diffuserlens, allows the fixture 100 to adequately separate interior room airfrom the space above the ceiling. For example, in some implementationsthe outer diffuser lens may form a rectangular geometric shape while theaperture is circular and the gasket 112 may be provided to compressagainst the ceiling, circumscribing the ceiling aperture, independentlyof the shape of the outer diffuser lens.

Ring support 106 in various embodiments may also include springretention brackets 132 to support spring clips 130. As shown in some ofthe embodiments, spring clips or other retention mechanisms 130 are heldin opposing relationship and biased outwardly so that the trimless lightfixture 100 can be positionally retained in the ceiling aperture. Springclips 130 may, in some examples, frictionally retain the light fixture100 by pressing directly against the upper surface of the ceiling, asdepicted in FIG. 5 . In other exemplary installations, the spring clips130 may compress against the interior sidewall of a can light housing160 as shown in FIG. 8 . This is merely an exemplary depiction of astandard can light installation and removes other typically installedhardware such as baffles, internal can fixture housings and similarassociated fixture installation components. For example, in a retrofitinstallation, the spring clips may simply compress against apre-existing interior wall housing positioned on the installed interiorof the recess can hardware. Alternatively, in a new installation, thespring clips or other retention members may be utilized to maintain theposition of the light fixture 100 into the ceiling aperture. In evenfurther embodiments, the light fixture 100 may be affixed directly to ajunction box 204 support bracket. For example, the junction box 204 maybe mounted directly over the ceiling aperture and have an interposedmounting bracket which are well known in the art. The light fixture maybe directly attached to the junction box after electrical connectivityis accomplished.

Other retention mechanisms 132 may be utilized to functionally retainthe light fixture over the ceiling aperture. Further, placement of theretention mechanisms may be at various locations. For example, in someimplementations the ceiling aperture may be formed directly under ajunction box 204 and the fixture is directly attached to a lowerattachment bracket of the junction box as are readily known in the art.In such implementation, screws or other retention elements may beutilized to affix the lighting fixture to the junction box afterelectrical connection. For example, some of the brackets or additionalbrackets on the top surface of the top plate 110 may be utilized toaffix the fixture 100 to the junction box. Also, in someimplementations, the retention mechanisms may extend directly from aportion of the outer diffuser or lens which extends upward into theceiling aperture or which may form part or all of the ring support. Forexample, the retention member may extend upward from an integral ringsupport and outer diffuser/lens. Alternatively, in other examples, theretention members may be additional brackets which extend upwards intothe ceiling aperture from alternative or added structure.

Alternatively, as depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the outerdiffuser 102 may affix to the ring support bottom flange area of thering support 106 a. The bottom flange area of the ring support 106 aextends from the outer periphery along the snap bead 102 a of thediffuser inwardly below the lens stack 126 towards the inner periphery107 a to the upturned edge 103. In such implementations, the diffuser102 may incorporate a bead 102 a which snaps over the upper lip of thering support bottom flange on ring support 106 a. Bead 102 a allows thediffuser to be snapped into place and retained below the lens stack 126.The outer diffuser reduces the potential brightness of the LEDs andevens the illumination out from the fixture embodiment 100 a. Further,in some implementations, the ring support bottom flange 106 a mayinclude an inner periphery 107 a which has an upturned edge 103 whichextends inwardly and upwardly towards the lens stack 126 and away fromthe diffuser 102. By providing an upturned edge away from the diffuser102, the appearance of the diffuser from below is evened out withoutshading or bright spots. By implementing the upturned edge 103 away fromthe diffuser 102, the appearance of dark circular areas through thediffuser may be minimized.

As well in some implementations as depicted in FIG. 4A, the ring supportside wall 106 a of some embodiments of a fixture 100 a may include otherfeatures to reduce shadows or shading of the diffuser 102. For example,while including a lip to receipt snap bead 102 a, openings or otherdiscontinuous structure may be utilized in the annular area below thesidewall 106 a to allow for illumination and reduce shadows. Upturnededge 103 however pulls away the continuous interior surface of thebottom flange and further reduce potential appearance of the structurethrough the diffuser.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show even further embodiments and implementations of alight fixture incorporating at least some of the features describedherein. FIG. 9 depicts an outer lens 202 on the fixture 220 which isintegrated with the ring support and also affixed to a top wall or topcover 210 which supports an LED 120 along the inner surface of the topwall 210. The LEDs illuminate the outer diffuser/lens 202 from above.The LEDs output may be more readily controlled via thecontroller/microprocessor since they are directly above the lens 202.For example, the controller may adjust color temperature or intensity toprevent a glare from the LEDs. Or the diffuser qualities of the lens 202may be sufficient to diffuse the brightness of the LEDs.

Direct illumination of the diffuser from above, or back lighting, mayincrease intensity output of the fixture 220 since the outerlens/diffuser 202 is being illuminated directly from behind. Also,allowing the outer lens/diffuser 202 to be the main body/housing forsupport of the entire structure simplifies the overall construction. Asshown the diffuser is attached to the top wall 210 which is a metal backplate or cover which may further act as a heat sink for the LEDs.Similar to the other embodiments, a gasket 212 may be provided allowingthe interior area of the lens to seal against the ceiling and around theceiling aperture once installed.

A further implementation of the embodiments is shown in FIG. 10 whereina COB light source 242 is implemented for back lighting of the outerlens/diffuser 252. The light fixture 240 may incorporate controllers andother needed circuitry directly on the back or top plate 250. Theintegrated outer lens 202 and ring support 206 provides adequateseparation between the LEDs and the diffuser 252.

Other implementations of backlit LED illumination for recessed fixturesare also depicted in FIGS. 11-14 . For example, a backlit recessedfixture 260 may include a plurality of LEDs 120 spaced from the outerdiffuser 262 at a predetermined distance. Extending from the top wall210 of the ring support housing 266 and LEDs 120 is a reflectorpositioned to evenly distribute the light from the LEDs to th diffuser262. The reflector 264 may be a conical reflector to evenly distributeoutput of the LEDs 120 across the lens/diffuser 262. Conical reflector264 spreads light outward from the centralized positioning of the LEDstowards the outer peripheral edge of the side wall housing rim 268.

Ring support housing 266 of the recessed fixture 260 may be separatedfrom the lens 262 by a sufficient depth/height such that the output ofthe LEDs is spread evenly across the diffuser. In some implementations,the reflector 262 is a conical reflector. In still further embodiments,the sidewall of the reflector may be outwardly curved, straight orincorporate combinations for even illuminations. For example, in someimplementations, a reflector sidewall may include light collection zonesand reflection zones.

In some additional implementations, the reflector 264 may extendoutwardly to a flat outer rim 264 a for positioning between the fixturehousing rim 268 and the outer edge of the diffuser 262. As depicted inthe implementation of FIG. 13 , the diffuser 262 sandwiches the annularreflector flat outer rim 264 a between the housing rim 268 and thediffuser. As further previously described, the diffuser may include asnap bead shown in FIG. 14 and other implementations to ride over theupper peripheral edge of the housing rim 268. By securing the annularflat outer rim 264 a of the reflector between the annular housing rim268 and the diffuser, the outer peripheral edge of the reflector may bemaintained in proper position from the top edge against the top wall ofthe fixture and downward to the outer edge. Such positioning allowscontinuous even illumination of the diffuser and prevents shifting ofthe reflector 264 during installation.

Ring support 266 may be a sidewall conically extending from the top walldownward to a ring support rim 268 in some implementations. In stillfurther embodiments, the ring support 266 may be about perpendicularfrom the ring support rim extending to the top wall, or may be acombination of an angled sidewall vertical or may include combinationsof stepped side walls to extend to an outer edge. For example, in someimplementations the diameter of the annular area defined by the top wallwhere the LEDs 120 are mounted may be much smaller than the diameter ofthe annular housing rim 268.

In even further embodiments, spring clips may be affixed of the ringsupport as in discussed embodiments to engage with the upper surface ofa ceiling upon installation of the recessed fixture through an aperturein the ceiling. The spring clips can be a first and a second spring clipon opposing sides of the ring support.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein.

1. A trimless recess light fixture, comprising: an outer lens having afirst diameter; a ring support affixed to a first side of the outer lensand having a second diameter less than the first diameter; the ringsupport having an inner surface supporting a plurality of LEDs; the ringsupport having an inwardly directed ledge; an optic stack on theinwardly directed ledge, the optic including: a diffuser; a light guide;a reflector; the plurality of LEDs positioned on the inner surface inoptical alignment with the light guide and wherein the reflectorredirects light from the light guide through the diffuser; the ringsupport having at least one retention mechanism.
 2. The fixture of claim1 wherein the ring support has a bottom annular flange with an innerperiphery.
 3. The fixture of claim 2 wherein the inner periphery of theannular flange of the ring support has an upturned edge.
 4. The fixtureof claim 3 wherein the outer lens has an inwardly directed bead whichsnaps over an outer periphery of the bottom annular flange of the ringsupport.
 5. The fixture of claim 3 wherein the upturned edge extendsinwardly and supports the optic stack and forms the inwardly directedledge of the ring support.
 6. The fixture of claim 1 wherein the ringsupport is an intermittent wall portion.
 7. The fixture of claim 1wherein the plurality of LEDs are regularly positionally circumscribingthe ring support.
 8. The fixture of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofLEDs are electrically connected to an LED controller.
 9. The fixture ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of LEDs are electrically connected to aremote power source.
 10. The fixture of claim 1 wherein the ring supportis a heat sink and is thermally connected to the plurality of LEDs. 11.The fixture of claim 1 further comprising a top cover mechanicallyretained on the ring support.
 12. The fixture of claim 1 wherein theouter lens has a plurality of retention pegs extending towards the ringsupport, the ring support having a plurality of brackets, each of theplurality of brackets frictionally retaining one of the plurality ofretention pegs.
 13. The fixture of claim 6 wherein the remote powersource is electrically connected to a screw-in bulb electricalconnector.
 14. The fixture of claim 6 wherein the remote power source iselectrically connected to a junction box connection.
 15. The fixture ofclaim 1 wherein each of the plurality of LEDs have a light outputcharacteristic, the light output characteristic controlled by amicro-controller.
 16. The fixture of claim 12 herein the light outputcharacteristic includes at least luminosity.
 17. The fixture of claim 1wherein the at least one retention mechanism includes a first and asecond spring clip.
 18. The fixture of claim 1 wherein each of theplurality of LEDs are electrically connected to a power bus extendingalong the inner surface of the ring support.
 19. The fixture of claim 1wherein the outer lens is positioned for installation below an apertureformed in a ceiling, the ring support positioned for installation withinthe aperture.
 20. The fixture of claim 1 wherein the diffuser, the lightguide and the reflector of the optic are stacked together by anadhesive.
 21. The fixture of claim 1 wherein the light guide includesextraction features to redirect light towards the diffuser.
 22. Atrimless recessed light fixture, comprising: an outer diffuser having afirst diameter; a ring support attached to the outer diffuser and havinga second diameter less than the first diameter; the ring support havingan inner surface supporting a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDselectrically connected to a power supply; an optic stack supported bythe ring support, the optic stack including: a light guide; a reflector;the plurality of LEDs positioned on the inner surface in opticalalignment with the light guide along an outer circumferential surface ofthe light guide and wherein the reflector redirects light from the lightguide through the outer diffuser; the recessed light fixture having aleast one retention mechanism to suspend the trimless recessed lightfixture from a ceiling surface; wherein the outer diffuser isilluminated by the plurality of LEDs and is configured for sealinglybeing engaged along the inner surface against the ceiling surface.
 23. Atrimless recessed light fixture, comprising: an outer diffuser having afirst diameter; a ring support attached to the outer diffuser and havinga second diameter less than the first diameter; the ring support havingan inner surface supporting a plurality of LEDs; the plurality of LEDsemitting light through the outer diffuser; the outer diffuser having acircumferential gasket, the circumferential gasket of a diffuser lenspositioned to abut a ceiling surface below a ceiling aperture; whereinthe gasket is configured to be positioned to circumscribe the ceilingaperture which receives the ring support.
 24. A trimless recessed lightfixture, comprising: an outer diffuser having a first diameter; a ringsupport attached to the outer diffuser and having a second diameter lessthan the first diameter; the ring support having an inner surfacesupporting a plurality of LEDs; the plurality of LEDs emitting lightthrough the outer diffuser; the outer diffuser having a circumferentialgasket, the circumferential gasket of a diffuser lens positioned to abuta ceiling surface; wherein the gasket is configured for positioningaround a ceiling aperture which receives the ring support.
 25. Atrimless recessed light fixture, comprising: an outer diffuser having afirst diameter; a ring support receiving the outer diffuser along a ringsupport rim, the ring support extending downward from a top wall to thering support rim; the top wall having an inner surface supporting atleast one LED emitting light directed towards the outer diffuser; thering support rim having a first diameter and the top wall having asecond diameter, the second diameter less than the first diameter; aconical reflector extending away from the top wall to the ring supportrim; the conical reflector extending downward to flat outer rim, theflat outer rim of the conical reflector positioned between the ringsupport rim and outer diffuser the at least one LED emitting lightthrough the outer diffuser; the outer diffuser including a snap bead toretain the outer diffuser to the ring support, the snap bead fittingover the ring support rim; the outer diffuser having a circumferentialgasket, the circumferential gasket of the outer diffuser positioned toabut a ceiling surface; wherein the gasket is configured for positioningabout a ceiling aperture which receives the ring support.
 26. Thetrimless recessed light fixture of claim 25 wherein the ring support rimis annular.
 27. The trimless recessed light of claim 26 wherein the topwall is a top cover supporting the at least one LED.
 28. The trimlessrecessed light fixture of claim 26 wherein the top wall is annular, theconical reflector extending from the annular top wall to the annularring support rim.
 29. The trimless recessed light fixture of claim 25wherein the ring support is an annular side wall, the annular side wallangled from the top wall downwardly to the ring support rim.
 30. Thetrimless recessed light fixture of claim 25 wherein the ring support isa wall extending upwardly perpendicular from the ring support rim.